Matthew I. Palmer
Matthew I. Palmer is an ecologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) at Columbia University. He received his BS in Natural Resources from Cornell University and his PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University. Dr. Palmer teaches and advises students in several programs, including E3B’s undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate programs and in the Environmental Science and Policy program in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He teaches courses in botany, forest ecology, urban ecology, herpetology, and research methods, often with extensive field and laboratory components. His research includes measuring ecosystem functions in forests, wetlands, and cities, the management of natural areas, and the conservation of biological diversity. He finds great joy in teaching and in helping students to see the natural world with a fresh perspective and to better understand the connections between nature and humanity.